Task force designed to keep people safe during the Hallowe’en and Bonfire season

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Fireworks

A dedicated task force designed to keep people safe during the Hallowe’en and Bonfire season was launched on Monday 15 October - the day fireworks legally go on sale.

Treacle hubs have been set up in ten areas as part of a partnership to prevent, tackle and protect against antisocial behaviour, criminal damage and reducing incidents and injuries during the Hallowe’en and Bonfire period.

Area Manager Dave Keelan, GMFRS’ Head of Prevention, said: “As Bonfire Night approaches we want everyone to enjoy it safely and we are working with partners to make that happen - so there are Treacle task forces in every area of Greater Manchester, consisting of firefighters, police officers and Trading Standards.

“From yesterday it was legal to sell fireworks with the correct licence or registration until November 13, and GMFRS’ fire protection officers will be visiting premises storing them to check people are complying with regulations.

“Our firefighters and community safety teams are visiting schools to talk to children about the dangers of fireworks and encouraging them and their parents to go to organised bonfire events.

“Each Treacle hub will consist of GMFRS fire protection officers and firefighters alongside antisocial behaviour teams, police officers and Trading Standards - all helping the people of Greater Manchester to have a safe and enjoyable bonfire season.”

The ten partnership hubs - based in each borough of Greater Manchester - form the dedicated Treacle task force.

Stockport hub member, GMFRS Community Safety Team Leader Graham Brennan, said: “We’re set and ready to help people have a safe and enjoyable time this autumn and to do this we recommend that people go only to organised bonfires.

“You can find a list of Greater Manchester’s organised bonfire events on the Treacle website, safe4autumn.com and there’s also the chance to win an ipad2 on there too so it’s definitely worth a look.”

Partner agencies involved in Treacle include Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), Greater Manchester Police, ten local authorities, Trading Standards, Transport for Greater Manchester, the Chamber of Commerce and the Health and Safety Executive.